Cygames Launches Joint Research with Tokyo University of the Arts on Game Development and Game AI Creation Tools
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/991/G999101/20251106068/
Editorial Department: Chihiro | 2025/11/06 10:51 (UTC)
Cygames today (November 6, 2025) announced the launch of a joint research initiative with Tokyo University of the Arts through its research division, Cygames Research, focusing on game development and tools for game AI creation.
The collaboration centers on two key aspects of video games: visual expression for representing entire virtual worlds, and game AI that controls NPCs (Non-Player Characters) capable of autonomous behavior within those spaces.
Cygames will provide expert guidance to students at Tokyo University of the Arts regarding game production and publishing, while Tokyo University of the Arts will contribute its specialized knowledge in visual expression and game AI to Cygames. Additionally, both parties will co-develop a live programming environment utilizing LLMs (Large Language Models), a type of generative AI.
Through these efforts, the aim is to deliver innovative and artistically rich games to the world while fostering an environment that makes it easier for artists from traditional arts disciplines to participate in game development in the future.
Tokyo University of the Arts Official Website
＜Below is the original press release content as provided by the company＞
Cygames and Tokyo University of the Arts Launch Joint Research on Game Production and Game AI Development Tools
Cygames, Inc. (hereinafter “Cygames,” headquartered in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo; President & CEO: Koichi Watanabe), a company engaged in game planning, development, and operations, is pleased to announce the launch of joint research with Tokyo University of the Arts’ graduate school through Cygames Research.
■Research Overview
This project focuses on two core elements within video games: visual expression for representing entire virtual spaces, and game AI that controls NPCs (Non-Player Characters) capable of autonomous behavior in those environments.
Specifically, while Cygames will provide expert insights to Tokyo University of the Arts students regarding game production and publishing, Tokyo University of the Arts will offer its specialized knowledge in visual expression and game AI to Cygames. Furthermore, as part of this collaboration, both institutions will co-develop a live programming environment leveraging LLMs (Large Language Models), a type of generative AI, for NPC control. Through these initiatives, the goal is to deliver original, artistically rich games worldwide while working toward creating an environment that enables artists from traditional arts disciplines to more easily enter game development.
※LLM (Large Language Model)
A large-scale language model specialized in natural language processing tasks such as text generation.
■Comment from Prof. Takashi Kiriyama, Dean of the Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts:
The initiation of this joint research with Cygames holds significant meaning ahead of the establishment of the new Game & Interactive Art program at our graduate school in April 2026. AI has become an indispensable element even within the realm of art today. In particular, digital art forms such as games may achieve a whole new level of interactivity through integration with AI. Moreover, generative AI is profoundly influencing creative processes—whereas previously only large teams could cover all aspects of production, now individuals or small groups can harness significant power thanks to AI transforming the very act of creation itself. In this pivotal era, how we use AI and other advanced information technologies to express our ideas becomes increasingly important. Through collaboration with Cygames, we aim to explore uncharted territories within game development and expand new forms of artistic expression.
■Comment from Dr. Shuichi Kurabayashi, Director of Cygames Research:
We have recently launched joint research with the Graduate School of Film and New Media at Tokyo University of the Arts on game production and tools for developing game AI. We will advance our exploration into new possibilities of this medium by combining practical support—such as guidance in student and alumni game creation and publishing—with fundamental research into game AI and generative AI that empowers creators. At Cygames Research, we have previously focused on developing technologies supporting creativity through computational science studies related to game expression and interaction. This latest collaboration aims to establish a new research framework for generating tools that support content creation in the era of generative AI—born from dialogue between art and technology. Through this initiative, we will advance research and development of AI toolkits enabling creators to freely explore ideas and enrich player experiences. As a company committed to creating “the best possible content,” we look forward to continuing our challenge alongside Tokyo University of the Arts in delivering new kinds of experiences to the world.